Inspired by his love of Latin and R&B music, saxophonist Boney James decided to mash them up on 2013's The Beat. His first album for Concord since 2009's Send One Your Love, The Beat takes inspiration from such classics of the Latin genre as Sergio Mendes' "Batucada," reimagined here by James as a funk number. Also included are performances with such soulful R&B artists as vocalist Raheem DeVaughan and the Floacist. The Beat also reunites James with longtime associate trumpeter Rick Braun. This is a passionate, high-energy album that should appeal to longtime James fans and fans of crossover Latin, jazz, and soul music.